>La Grande Observer | Union and Wallowa Counties' News Leader

Patrons of the Imbler School District have a lot to think about as the school board considers converting the district to a charter school system. From all appearances, considering the district’s impending enrollment decline, becoming a charter system is worth a look.

The Imbler district has a lot going for it — so much so that many families from outside the district have enrolled their kids at Imbler — 72 to be exact, with many of them from La Grande. The district apparently is meeting some needs that are not being met elsewhere.

The district has a reputation for great teachers. A caring and devoted staff. Great programs —  especially for a small school. And students who excel. No wonder people in Imbler, and those sending their kids there, want to keep the district viable.

If a charter system can accomplish that, the district needs to give the concept serious consideration. The board is doing the right thing by doing just that.

Frankly, the board didn’t have much choice. In some ways, La Grande helped force Imbler’s hand. Imbler is seeing its enrollment numbers decline. The district has been able to make up for some of that by offering programs and a staff that draws students from other districts.

Then along came the La Grande School District’s decision last fall to rein in the number of students it was losing to other districts, most of which happen to be attending Imbler. Each transfer now has to be reviewed case by case. Parents of Imbler students rallied. They approached the La Grande School Board with their concerns, but little came of it.

La Grande’s policy change may not have been the driving force behind Imbler’s decision to look at charter system status, but it certainly played a role.

Imbler will need to weigh the concept carefully. A lot of questions need to be asked about the kind of education a charter system can provide for kids in the long run. What would it mean for kids? And what would it mean for staff? Can you get the best and the brightest teachers under such a system? All of that is part of the analysis Imbler will have to make.

Another question, though, is one the La Grande School Board will need to address. Why is it that so many families in the La Grande district are choosing to enroll their kids at Imbler? That La Grande is concerned about losing state revenue is understandable. But students are not transferring just because they and their parents enjoy the drive to Imbler.

Making the decision to convert to a charter system isn’t easy. Both Imbler and La Grande have some difficult questions that need to be answered.